Halfling Ranger (AKA melee druid)

[Vexenu]

Get one of the Velium 2HB staves, it will help a lot 30+. I leveled a Cleric to 40ish with mostly melee and it worked pretty well. Mob selection is key. You need to just chew through low blue cons that you can efficiently tank without too much trouble. You have the right idea in stacking AC, STR and HP. With a Fungi and good haste this strategy is probably feasible into the mid-40s if you pick your spots well. Don't neglect your casting skills though or you'll regret it.